In a dramatic escalation of a long-standing feud, David Faitelson publicly accused fellow sports journalist José Ramón Fernández of having a cocaine addiction, which he claims contributed to Fernández's departure from TV Azteca. This confrontation unfolded on May 7, 2025, following Fernández's derogatory remarks about Faitelson, whom he labeled a "sicario" during a broadcast of ESPN's Futbol Picante.
Faitelson, who now works with TUDN, took to social media to respond to Fernández's claims. In his tweets, he outlined the circumstances surrounding a trip to Europe that both men had been involved in, asserting that while Grupo Pachuca covered his travel expenses as a member of the Salón de la Fama, he personally funded his wife's costs. "Grupo Pachuca paid my ticket for the trip you mentioned to Europe as part of the group of journalists we are members of in the Hall of Fame, but I paid completely for my wife Irene's ticket and her expenses," Faitelson clarified.
The tension reached a boiling point when Fernández, 79, criticized Faitelson's views on the exclusion of Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup, implying that Faitelson's criticism was driven by financial interests rather than journalistic integrity. "You refer to me as a 'sicario,' a very harsh word in these times we live in. I'm sorry that you are so irresponsible. It must be age," Faitelson retorted, before launching into a personal attack regarding Fernández's past.
Faitelson's accusations included a shocking revelation about Fernández's alleged struggles with cocaine addiction during his time at TV Azteca. He stated, "Perhaps you remember the term 'sicario' due to those serious problems you had with cocaine use at the end of your time at TV Azteca. Remember, it was so severe that the owner of the company separated you from your position and sent you and your wife, all expenses paid, to Spain to try to recover. I hope you have really recovered. It's the only way to understand the relation to the word 'sicario.'" This statement not only questioned Fernández's professional credibility but also highlighted a personal history that many might find troubling.
The fallout from this exchange underscores the deterioration of what was once a mentor-mentee relationship between the two journalists. Faitelson had been one of Fernández's protégés, but their friendship soured dramatically after Faitelson's move to Televisa, while Fernández remained at ESPN. The public nature of their dispute suggests that any hope for reconciliation is now firmly off the table.
Fernández's initial comments about Faitelson were sparked by the latter's criticism of Club León's exclusion from the Club World Cup, which Fernández interpreted as a personal attack rather than a professional critique. During the broadcast, Fernández said, "One of many, a professional sicario, supposedly of journalism, but he no longer exists." This comment, along with his insinuations about Faitelson's motivations, set the stage for a fierce rebuttal.
Faitelson's response was not only a defense against the accusation of being a "sicario" but also a pointed critique of Fernández's ethical standing, particularly regarding his son's employment with Club León, which is owned by Grupo Pachuca. Faitelson remarked, "I don't think you are the right person to comment on the Pachuca-León issue and the multi-ownership because your son, José Ramón Fernández Gutiérrez de Quevedo, a great professional, works for Jesús Martínez Murguía at Club León. There is a clear conflict of interest that blinds you to see the trap, the illegality in which that group lives and which your son is part of."
This latest chapter in the feud between Faitelson and Fernández illustrates the complexities of sports journalism in Mexico, where personal relationships often intersect with professional rivalries. The public nature of their exchanges has drawn attention not only to their personal animosities but also to broader issues within the sports media landscape, including conflicts of interest and the ethical responsibilities of journalists.
As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how both journalists navigate this contentious relationship. Faitelson's bold accusations have certainly raised eyebrows and may have lasting implications for both their careers. The fallout could affect their respective audiences, as fans and followers grapple with the implications of their feud.
In a media environment that thrives on controversy and sensationalism, this clash between two of the most recognized figures in Mexican sports journalism serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal and professional conduct. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the friendship that once existed between Faitelson and Fernández is now irrevocably shattered, leaving behind a trail of accusations and revelations that may resonate within the industry for years to come.
